Key to Easy Latin Stories for beginners/Part IV/XII
XII. THE SHORTEST WAY TO ABSOLUTE POWER.
170.Periander, king of Corinth, at first, indeed, was humane ; but ever since he had intercourse through messengers with Thrasybulus, tyrant of the Milesians, he became cruel and sanguinary. Having sent a herald to Thrasybulus, he asked of him, ‘How, after settling everything most securely, he could best rule the state?’ Thrasybulus, after leading out of the city the man who had been sent by Periander, entered a certain sown field, and walking through the com, and inquiring of him why he had been sent to him from Corinth, kept meanwhile cutting down every ear that rose above others, until in this way he had destroyed the most beautiful and rich part of the crop. At last, after wandering thus over the field, he dismissed the ambassador without giving him any directions. When the ambassador returned to Corinth, Periander was desirous of learning the advice of Thrasybulus. The ambassador replied that Thrasybulus had given him no commands. Then he reported what he had seen Thrasybulus doing. But Periander, understanding the act, and imagining that he was advised by Thrasybulus to kill all the most distinguished citizens, then began to practise every wickedness against the citizens. Soon he was able, after killing all the chief men, to do everything he wished.